United States
ChileCompare visas
E-2 vs B-1/B-2
The B-1 lets you travel on business, for example to meet partners or negotiate contracts, but it does not authorise working in or running a company from the United States. The E-2 does: it is for citizens of treaty countries such as Chile who invest substantial capital in their own business and direct it there. Both are processed directly at the consulate and neither allows dual intent, but on an E-2 your spouse can work and the visa renews with no ceiling.
These two categories differ on 6 of 10 criteria. The full table is below, but if you only have a minute, these are the differences that decide a case.
Where they part ways
What it is for
E-2 Direct your own US business
B-1/B-2 Business or tourism, no work
Needs a sponsor
E-2 No, the investment is yours
B-1/B-2 No
Duration
E-2 Renewable indefinitely
B-1/B-2 Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays
Spouse may work
E-2 Yes, authorised by the status
B-1/B-2 Not applicable, one each
Path to residence
E-2 Not on its own
B-1/B-2 It does not lead there
Chile's position
E-2 A treaty country since 2004
B-1/B-2 No particular advantage
Full comparison
| Criterion | E-2 E-2 visa | B-1/B-2 B-1/B-2 visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Direct your own US business | Business or tourism, no work |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | No, the investment is yours | No |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | No, straight to the consulate |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Renewable indefinitely | Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Yes, authorised by the status | Not applicable, one each |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Not on its own | It does not lead there |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | A treaty country since 2004 | No particular advantage |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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